Locking ring with stabilizing blades

ABSTRACT

A locking ring may be adapted to be positioned between first and second components. The locking ring may include a body having a bore formed axially therethrough. A blade may be disposed on an outer radial surface of the body. At least a portion of a centerline through the blade may be oriented at an angle from about 1° to about 60° with respect to a centerline through the body. A recess, a protrusion, or both may be formed in an outer axial surface of the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/866,370, entitled “LOCKING RINGWITH STABILIZING BLADES,” and filed Aug. 15, 2013, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

In downhole tools, two components that have a similar composition may beconnected by the fusing or addition of material. For example, twocomponents made of steel may be connected to one another through weldingand/or brazing. The two components may be positioned near or adjacentone another and heated metal or additional steel may be applied to aninterface between the two components to bind the two componentstogether. However, the application additional material may result in apoor connection between components made of or including dissimilarcompositions.

A connection pin may be used to couple a drill string to a bit. In suchbits, the connection pin has threads formed on the outer surfacethereof, and the bit has corresponding threads formed on the innersurface thereof. The threaded engagement, by itself, may not besufficient to hold the connection pin and the bit together downhole dueto high loads and/or vibration while drilling. Further, it may bedifficult to weld the connection pin and the bit together to fortify theengagement if they are made from different materials with differentmelting points. For example, the connection pin may be made of steel,and the bit may be made of a tungsten carbide matrix. As such, a lockingring may be positioned between the connection pin and the bit tofacilitate a secure connection between the connection pin and the bit.

During some drilling operations, such as rotary steerable drillingoperations, a locking ring may be used that is integral with the drillbit. As such, the drill bit may be inseparable from the locking ring andmay not be coupled to other components for use in other drillingoperations.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure,embodiments of a locking ring are described. One embodiment of a lockingring includes a body having a bore formed axially therethrough. A bladeis located on an outer radial surface of the body. At least a portion ofa centerline through the blade is oriented at an angle from 1° to 60°with respect to a centerline through the body. A locking featureincluding a recess, a protrusion, or both is formed on an outer axialsurface of the body.

Embodiments of a downhole tool are also disclosed. In one embodiment,the downhole tool includes a first component, a second component, and alocking ring. The second component has a plurality of engagementfeatures formed on an outer axial surface thereof that arecircumferentially spaced apart from one another. The locking ring ispositioned at least partially between the first and second components.The locking ring includes a body having a bore formed axiallytherethrough. The first component extends at least partially through thebore. A plurality of blades is located on an outer radial surface of thebody and circumferentially spaced apart from one another. A plurality ofengagement features is formed on an outer axial surface of the body andcircumferentially spaced apart from one another. The engagement featureson the second component may engage the engagement features on the bodyto prevent relative movement therebetween.

In another embodiment, a downhole tool includes a non-weldable componentand a locking ring. The non-weldable component includes an axialprotrusion and a first blade located adjacent a radial surface of thenon-weldable component. The first blade has a first centerline and atleast a portion of the first centerline forms a first angle relative toa longitudinal centerline of the downhole tool. The locking ring ispositioned adjacent to and abutting the non-weldable component. Thelocking ring includes an annular body having first and second opposingaxial surfaces and an axial bore formed therethrough. The locking ringincludes an axial recess formed into the second axial surface, and theaxial recess is configured to receive the axial protrusion. The lockingring includes a second blade having a second centerline, and the secondcenterline forms a second angle relative to the longitudinal centerlineof the downhole tool.

Embodiments of methods of assembling a downhole tool are also disclosed.In one embodiment, a method may include inserting a shaft of a firstcomponent through a bore formed axially through a locking ring, wherethe locking ring includes an annular body having first and secondopposing axial surfaces and aligning an axial protrusion extending froma second component in an axial recess formed in the second axial surfaceof the locking ring and at least one blade of the second component withat least one corresponding blade of the locking ring. The method alsoincludes engaging one or more threads formed on an outer surface of theshaft with one or more threads formed on an inner surface of the secondcomponent and applying a force to a circumferentially offset surface ofthe axial recess to compress the circumferentially offset surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which embodiments of the presentdisclosure may be used, a more particular description will be renderedby reference to specific embodiments as illustrated in the appendeddrawings. While some of the drawings are schematic representations ofsystems, assemblies, features, methods, or the like, at least some ofthe drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that these drawingsdepict example embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to beconsidered to be limiting of the scope of the present disclosure or toscale for each embodiment contemplated herein, the embodiments will bedescribed and explained with additional specificity and detail throughthe use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of an embodiment of a downhole toolhaving a first component, a second component, and a locking ringdisposed therebetween;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a first component, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a first component,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of a second component, accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a second component,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of a locking ring, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a locking ring,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of a downhole tool including afirst component, a second component, and a locking ring, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a downhole toolincluding a first component, a second component, and a locking ring,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in a circumferential or tangentialdirection of an illustrative engagement between an embodiment of aprotrusion and a corresponding recess, according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in a circumferential or tangentialdirection of an illustrative engagement between an embodiment of anaxial protrusion and a corresponding axial recess having tapered radialsurfaces, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in a circumferential or tangentialdirection of an illustrative engagement between an embodiment of anaxial protrusion and a corresponding axial recess having an inner radialrecess surface, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view radially-inward of an engagementbetween an embodiment of an axial protrusion and a corresponding axialrecess, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional view radially-inward of an engagementbetween an embodiment of an axial protrusion and a corresponding axialrecess having a tip recess, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is yet another cross-sectional view radially-inward of anengagement between an embodiment of an axial protrusion and acorresponding axial recess having planar axial surfaces, according tothe present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is an embodiment of a method for assembling a downhole tool,according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As generally shown in the figures, a locking ring configured to aid inconnecting a first downhole tool component to a second downhole toolcomponent (e.g., a bit to a connection pin) is disclosed. The lockingring may include a body having a bore formed axially therethrough. Oneor more blades may be disposed on an outer radial surface of the body. Acenterline through each of the blades may be oriented at an angle from1° to 60° with respect to a longitudinal centerline through the body.The centerline through each of the blades may substantially align with acenterline through a blade on the second downhole tool component. Arecess and/or a protrusion may be formed on an outer axial surface ofthe body. The recess and/or protrusion may aid in mechanically securingthe locking ring and downhole tool components relative to one another.

FIG. 1 is a side exploded view of a schematic representation of adownhole tool 100 having a first component 102 and a second component104 that may be coupled together using a locking ring 106. The firstcomponent 102 may include a first engagement feature 108. The secondcomponent 104 may include a second engagement feature 110 configured toengage with the first engagement feature 108 of the first component 102.The first and second engagement features 108, 110 may include threads, aquick lock configuration, another engaging feature, or combinationsthereof. The first engagement feature 108 may be located on an exteriorof the first component 102. The second engagement feature 110 may belocated on an interior of the second component 104.

The first component 102 and second component 104 may be made ofdifferent materials such that the first component 102 and secondcomponent may not be welded together. The locking ring 106 may be madeof or include a weldable material that may allow the locking ring 106 tobe welded to the first component 102 and/or second component 104. In anembodiment, the locking ring 106 and first component 102 may be made ofor include a weldable material and the second component 104 may be madeof or include a non-weldable material, such that the locking ring 106and first component 102 may be welded together and the second component104 may not be welded to either the locking ring 106 or first component102. While the present disclosure may describe a downhole tool 100 withreference to a weldable first component 102 and a non-weldable secondcomponent 104, it should be understood that either component may be aweldable material. For example, the first and second components 102, 104may be made of the same or different materials. The first and secondcomponents 102, 104 may be made of one or more metals or metal alloys.Suitable metals may include steel, including carbon steel (e.g., AISI10XX, AISI 11XX, AISI 12XX, or AISI 15XX), manganese steel (e.g., AISI13XX), nickel steel (e.g., AISI 23XX, or AISI 25XX), nickel-chromiumsteel (e.g., AISI 31XX, AISI 32XX, AISI 33XX, or AISI 34XX), molybdenumsteel (e.g., AISI 40XX, or AISI 44XX), chromium-molybdenum steel (e.g.,AISI 41XX), nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel (e.g., AISI 43XX, or AISI47XX), nickel-molybdenum steel (e.g., AISI 46XX, or AISI 48XX), chromiumsteel (e.g., AISI 50XX, or AISI 51XX), combinations thereof, and thelike, where “XX” may range from 1 to 99 and represents the carboncontent, superalloys, titanium, other weldable materials, orcombinations thereof.

The first component 102 and/or the second component 104 may also be madeof or include one or more matrix materials. For example, the firstcomponent 102 and/or the second component 104 may be made of or includea matrix material including a carbide material, such as tungstencarbide, titanium carbide, calcium carbide, silicon carbide, aluminumcarbide, chromium carbide, molybdenum carbide, combinations thereof, andthe like disposed in a metal binder, such as a metal or metal alloy. Thefirst component 102 may be made of or include a steel (e.g., AISI 4340steel), and the second component 104 may be made of or include atungsten carbide matrix material. The first component 102 and the secondcomponent 104 may also be made of other different materials.

The locking ring 106 may be made of or include the same material as thefirst component and/or the second component, or the locking ring 106 maybe made of or include a different material. In some embodiments, thelocking ring 106 may be made of steel. For example, the locking ring 106may be made from any of the steel materials described with respect tothe first or second component. For example, the locking ring 106 may bemade of or include a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel such as AISI43XX steel (e.g., 4340 steel).

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of an illustrative firstcomponent 202, and FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of a first component 302. Like reference characters mayreference similar elements. The first component 202 is shown as aconnection pin that may be adapted to couple to a drill string (notshown). It may be appreciated, however, that although the firstcomponent 202 is shown as a connection pin, other components are alsocontemplated. For example, the first component 202 may be or include adrill pipe, a drill string, a coiled tube, a wireline, a drill collar, astabilizer sleeve, an internal in a larger tool, or the like.

As shown in the embodiment of a first component 202 in FIG. 2, the firstcomponent 202 may include a head 212 having a shaft 214 extendingtherefrom. The shaft 214 may include a first portion 216, a secondportion 218, and a third portion 220. The first portion 216 of the shaft214 may have a first outer diameter. The third portion 220 of the shaft214 may have a second outer diameter. The second portion 218 of theshaft 214 may be positioned between the first and third portions 216,220. The second portion 218 may taper from the first diameter to thesecond diameter. A diameter of the second portion 218 of the shaft 214may have a rate of change of a diameter that is constant (i.e., thetaper is linear). The diameter of the second portion 218 of the shaft214 may have a rate of change that is non-constant (i.e., the taper iscurved). A ratio of the first outer diameter to the second outerdiameter may range from 1.01:1.00 to 2.00:1.00. For example, the ratiomay be from 1.01:1.00 to 1.10:1.00, 1.10:1.00 to 1.20:1.00, or 1.20:1.00to 1.50:1.00.

A first engagement feature 208 may be disposed on an outer radialsurface of the shaft 214. As shown, the first engagement feature 208 maybe or include a plurality of threads disposed on an outer surface of thethird portion 220 of the shaft 214. The first engagement feature 208 maybe adapted to couple the first component 202 to a second component, asdiscussed in more detail in relation to the embodiments described inFIGS. 7 and 8. In various embodiments, threads, corresponding splines, aquick lock configuration, other suitable mechanical connections, orcombinations thereof may be used.

As shown in the embodiment of a first component 302 in FIG. 3, an axialbore 322 may extend at least partially through the first component 302.The diameter of the bore 322 may vary along the length of the firstcomponent 302. As shown, a first portion 316 of a shaft 314 may have afirst inner diameter. The first inner diameter may taper to a secondinner diameter within a second portion 318 of the shaft 314. A ratio ofthe first inner diameter to the second inner diameter may range from1.01:1.00 to 3.00:1.00. For example, the ratio may be from 1.05:1.00 to1.20:1.00, 1.20:1.00 to 1.50:1.00, or 1.50:1.00 to 2.00:1.00. The secondinner diameter may expand to a third inner diameter within a thirdportion 320 of the shaft 314. A ratio of the second inner diameter tothe third inner diameter may range from 1.00:1.01 to 1.00:3.00. Forexample, the ratio may be from 1.00:1.05 to 1.00:1.20, 1.00:1.20 to1.00:1.50, or 1.00:1.50 to 1.00:2.00.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of an illustrative secondcomponent 404, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view anotherembodiment of a second component 504. FIG. 4 depicts the secondcomponent 404 as a drill bit (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond compactdrill bit) that may be used to drill a wellbore into a subterraneanformation. It may be appreciated, however, that although the secondcomponent 404 is shown as a drill bit, other components are alsocontemplated. For example, the second component 404 may be or include anunderreamer, a stabilizer (e.g., a stabilizer sleeve), alogging-while-drilling (“LWD”) tool, a measurement-while-drilling(“MWD”) tool, a concentric hole opener, a bi-center bit, a roller-conebit, a housing on a motor, and the like.

The second component 404 may have one or more blades 424 disposed on theouter surface thereof. The blades 424 may be circumferentially spacedapart from one another. The blades 424 may each have a plurality ofcutting elements 426 coupled thereto. In at least one embodiment, thecutting elements 426 may include polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”)cutters. The blades 424 may also include a plurality of diamondimpregnated bits and/or grit hot pressed inserts (“GHIs”) coupledthereto or embedded therein. The cutting elements 426 may cut, grind,impact, and/or scrape the subterranean formation to drill the wellbore.

The second component 404 may also have a plurality of gage pads 428disposed on the outer surface thereof. As shown, the gage pads 428 maybe a radial surface of the blades 424. At least a portion of acenterline 431 through the outer radial surface of the gage pads 428and/or blades 424 may be oriented at an angle 430 with respect to alongitudinal centerline 432 through the second component 404. The angle430 may be within a range having upper and lower values including any of1°, 5°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, more than 60°, or any valuetherebetween. For example, the angle 430 may be from 1° to 10°, 10° to20°, or 20° to 45°. It should be understood that the angle 430 maydefine at least a portion of the centerline 431 of the gage pads 428and/or blades 424. For example, while the gage pads 428 and/or blades424 in FIG. 4 are depicted as having a substantially straight centerline431, in other embodiments, the gage pads 428 and/or blades 424 may becurved such that a centerline 431 includes one or more curves. For acenterline 431 that is completely curved, a tangent line (not shown)through the centerline 431 may be oriented at an angle 430. In yet otherembodiments, the gage pads 428 and/or blades 424 may include acenterline 431 including one or more portions having different angles.For example, the gage pads 428 and/or blades 424 may have a centerline431 including at least a portion that is oriented at an angle 430 and atleast a portion that is oriented at a different angle.

A groove 434 may be formed between each adjacent pair of blades 424and/or gage pads 428. One or more of the grooves 434 may be oriented atthe same angle 430 as the gage pads 428. One or more of the grooves 434may be curved or include one or more angle such that at least a portionof the groove 434 is oriented at an angle 430 to the longitudinalcenterline 432 of the second component 404.

One or more inserts 436 may be disposed on the gage pads 428. Theinserts 436 may include tungsten carbide, thermally stablepolycrystalline (“TSP”) diamond, other suitable superhard materials, orcombinations thereof. The inserts 436 may increase the hardness and/ortoughness of the gage pads 428 and thereby improve the wear resistanceof the gage pads 428. The combination of the gage pads 428 and theinserts 436 may provide stability to the second component 404 and dampenshock and/or vibrations generated by contact with a surroundingformation and/or well casing material.

The second component 404 may have one or more locking features such asaxial protrusions 438 or “castellations” formed on an outer axialsurface 440 thereof. In another embodiment, the locking features may beor include axial recesses formed in the outer axial surface 440. In afurther embodiment, the locking features may be or include both axialprotrusions 438 and axial recesses. The number of axial protrusions 438may be within a range having upper and lower values including any of 1,2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or more, or any value therebetween.The axial protrusions 438 may be positioned in a variety of patterns onthe second component 404. As shown, the axial protrusions 438 arecircumferentially spaced apart from one another and extendaxially-outward from the outer axial surface 440 of the second component404. In at least one embodiment, if an even number of axial protrusions438 are employed, each axial protrusion 438 may be directly across fromanother corresponding axial protrusion 438. In some embodiments, theaxial protrusions 438 may be distributed equally about the circumferenceof the axial surface of the second component 404. In other embodiments,the axial protrusions 438 may be distributed at non-equal intervalsabout the circumference of the axial surface of the second component404. In some embodiments, the axial protrusions 438 may axially extendequidistantly from the outer axial surface 440 of the second component404. In other embodiments, the axial protrusions 438 may axially extendin non-uniform distances from the outer axial surface 440 of the secondcomponent 404.

As depicted in FIG. 5, an axial bore 542 may be formed at leastpartially (or completely) through the second component 504. One or moreopenings or nozzles 544 may provide a path of fluid communication fromthe bore 542 through the second component 504. A fluid (e.g., drillingfluid) may flow through the nozzles 544 to cool the cutting elements 526and/or blades 524 and/or to flush away cuttings from the formationduring drilling operations.

The second component 504 may have one or more second engagement features510 formed on an inner radial surface thereof. The second engagementfeatures 510 may be configured to complimentarily engage one or morecorresponding first engagement features (108 in FIG. 1). As shown, thesecond engagement features 510 may be or include a plurality of threads.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of an illustrative locking ring606, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of alocking ring 706. As shown in FIG. 6, a locking ring 606 may include abody 646. An axial length 648 of the locking ring 606 may be within arange having upper and lower values including any of 1 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm,20 cm, 40 cm, 60 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm, more than 100 cm, or any valuetherebetween. For example, the axial length 648 may be from 5 cm to 20cm, 20 cm to 40 cm, or 40 cm to 60 cm. A ratio of the axial length 648of the locking ring 606 to an outer diameter 650 of the locking ring 606(at the widest point) may range from 0.5:1.0 to 3.0:1.0. In someembodiments, the ratio may be from 0.5:1.0 to 1.0:1.0. In otherembodiments, the ratio may range from 1.0:1.0 to 1.5:1.0. In furtherembodiments, the ratio may range from 1.5:1.0 to 3.0:1.0.

The locking ring 606 may have one or more stabilizing pads or blades 652disposed on the outer surface thereof. The blades 652 may becircumferentially spaced apart from one another. A centerline 655through the outer surface of each of the blades 652 may be oriented atan angle 654 with respect to a longitudinal centerline 656 through thelocking ring 606. The angle 654 may be within a range having upper andlower values including any of 1°, 5°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, morethan 60°, or any value therebetween. In some embodiments, the angle 654may be from 1° to 10°. In other embodiments, the angle 654 may be from10° to 20°. In further embodiments, the angle 654 may be from 20° to45°. It should be understood that the angle 654 may define at least aportion of the centerline 655 of the blades 652. For example, while theblades 652 in FIG. 6 are depicted as having a substantially straightcenterline 655, in other embodiments, the blades 652 may be curved suchthat a centerline 655 includes one or more curves. For a centerline 655that is completely curved, a tangent line (not shown) through thecenterline 655 may be oriented at an angle 654. In yet otherembodiments, the blades 652 may include a centerline 655 including oneor more portions having different angles. For example, the blades 652may have a centerline 655 including at least a portion that is orientedat an angle 654 and at least a portion that is oriented at a differentangle.

A groove 658 may be formed between each adjacent pair of blades 652. Oneor more of the grooves 658 may be oriented at the same angle 654 as theblades 652. In some embodiments, each of the blades 652 may be orientedat an angle 654 having the same value with respect to the longitudinalcenterline 656. In other embodiments, the blades 652 may be oriented atangles 654 having different values with respect to the longitudinalcenterline 656. For example, a first blade may be oriented at a 45°angle with respect to the longitudinal centerline 656 and a second blademay be oriented at a 55° angle with respect to the longitudinalcenterline 656. One or more of the grooves 658 may be curved or includeone or more angle such that at least a portion of the groove 658 isoriented at an angle 654 to the longitudinal centerline 656 of thelocking ring 606.

The blades 652 may each extend radially outward a distance 660 (i.e.,height) within a range having upper and lower values including any of0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, more than 10 cm, or anyvalue therebetween. In some embodiments, a ratio of the height 660 ofthe blades 652 (measured in a radial direction) to the outer diameter650 of the body 646 (at the widest point including blades 652) may befrom 0.01:1.00 to 0.05:1.00. In other embodiments, the ratio may rangefrom 0.05:1.00 to 0.10:1.00. In further embodiments, the ratio may rangefrom 0.10:1.00 to 0.20:1.00. The blades 652 may each have a width 662(measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline656) within a range having upper and lower values including any of 0.5cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, more than 20 cm, or any valuetherebetween. In some embodiments, a ratio of the width 662 of one ofthe blades 652 to a circumference of the body 646 may range from a lowof 0.01:1.00 to 0.05:1.00. In other embodiments, the ratio may rangefrom 0.05:1.00 to 0.10:1.00. In further embodiments, the ratio may rangefrom 0.10:1.00 to 0.20:1.00.

The blades 652 may have a plurality of inserts 664 disposed on the outerradial surfaces thereof. At least a portion of the inserts 664 may beoriented along the centerline 655 of the blades 652 and/or may beotherwise oriented. The inserts 664 may be made from tungsten carbide,thermally stable polycrystalline (“TSP”) diamond, or the like. Theinserts 664 may improve the hardness and/or toughness the blades 652 andthereby improve wear resistance of the blades 652. The combination ofthe blades 652 and the inserts 664 may provide stability to the lockingring 606 and/or dampen shock and/or vibrations generated by contact witha surrounding formation and/or well casing material.

One or more lateral grooves 666-1, 666-2 may also be formed about atleast a portion of the circumference of the body 646. As shown, thelateral grooves 666-1, 666-2 may be formed around a portion of thecircumference and may be circumferentially spaced apart from oneanother. In at least one embodiment, the lateral grooves may facilitateconnection of the downhole tool to a drill string, another downholetool, tubular component, or other component of a bottomhole assembly.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a locking ring 706having an axial bore 768 formed therethrough. The inner surface of thelocking ring 706 defining the bore 768 may be shaped and/or sized toreceive the outer surface of a first component, as shown in anddescribed with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. A first axial surface 770 ofthe locking ring 706 may be substantially flat. An opposing second axialsurface 772 of the locking ring 706 may have one or more lockingfeatures such as axial recesses 774 or indentations formed thereon ortherein. Although not shown, in another embodiment, the locking featuresmay be axial protrusions or both axial protrusions and axial recesses774. At least one axial recess 774 may be configured to receive acorresponding axial protrusion of a second component at least partiallytherein to prevent or limit relative movement and/or rotation betweenthe second component and the locking ring 706, as will be described inrelation to FIGS. 8 and 9. As such, the axial recesses 774 may becircumferentially spaced apart from one another around the second axialsurface 772 of the locking ring 706.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the assembly of an embodiment of a firstcomponent, a second component, and a locking ring to form anillustrative downhole tool. FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of anillustrative downhole tool 800 including a first component 802, a secondcomponent 804, and a locking ring 806. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional viewof another embodiment of a downhole tool 900. In some embodiments, thedownhole tool may be a long sleeve bit or a long gage bit. In otherembodiments, the downhole tool may be used as part of a rotary steerablesystem.

As shown in FIG. 8, the blades 852 of the locking ring 806 may bealigned with blades 824 of the second component 804 when the lockingring 806 and the second component 804 are coupled together. Similarly,the grooves 858 of the locking ring 806 may be aligned with the grooves834 of the second component 804 when the locking ring 806 and the secondcomponent 804 are coupled together. The locking ring 806 (and/or theblades 852 thereon) may serve as a stabilizer for the downhole tool 800during drilling operations.

The alignment of the second component 804 and the locking ring 806 maybe effected by the locations of the axial recesses and/or the axialprotrusions in the second component 804 and the locking ring 806(visible in FIG. 9). The locations of the axial recesses and axialprotrusions may align the second component 804 and the locking ring 806in relative orientations such that the blades 852 of the locking ring806 may be aligned with the blades 824 of the second component 804 andthe grooves 858 of the locking ring 806 may be aligned with the grooves834 of the second component 804 when the locking ring 806 and the secondcomponent 804 are coupled together. An alignment of the blades 852, 824and grooves 858, 834 may therefore be provided during assembly of thedownhole tool 800 without additional machining or grinding of material.The alignment of the blades 852, 824 and grooves 858, 834 by thealignment of the axial recesses and axial protrusions may alsofacilitate interchangeability of parts between downhole tools.

As shown in FIG. 9, a first axial surface 970 of a locking ring 906(i.e., the flat surface) may abut a first component 902, and the lockingring 906 and the first component 902 may be attached to one anotherusing any suitable attachment mechanism, for example, welding orbrazing. The locking ring 906 and the first component 902 may beattached together via electronic welding with a suitable weld material.It may be appreciated that the order of assembly described is merelyillustrative, and the first component 902, the second component 904, andthe locking ring 906 may be assembled in a different order.

The outer axial surface 940 of the second component 904 may be placed incontact with the second axial surface 972 of the locking ring 906. Theaxial protrusions 938 on the second component 904 may be aligned withand/or inserted into the corresponding axial recesses 974 in the secondaxial surface 972 of the locking ring 906. The engagement between theaxial protrusions 938 and the recesses 974 may prevent or limitrotational movement between the second component 904 and the lockingring 906 during operation. The second axial surface 972 may beconfigured to mate complimentarily to an outer axial surface 940 of thesecond component 904. The interface of the second axial surface 972 andthe outer axial surface 940 of the second component 904 may beconfigured that foreign objects, such as drill cuttings, may beprevented from entering the interface.

The first component 902 may be inserted through the locking ring 906until the head 912 of the first component 902 abuts the first axialsurface 970 of the locking ring 906. The shaft 914 of the firstcomponent 902 may be at least partially disposed within the secondcomponent 904. A first engagement feature 908 on the outer surface ofthe shaft 914 may engage a complimentary second engagement feature 910on the inner surface of the second component 904, thereby securing thefirst component 902, the second component 904, and the locking ring 906together. The engagement features 908, 910 may include, for example, athreaded connection, corresponding splines, a quick lock configuration,other suitable mechanical connections, or combinations thereof. Theengagement features 908, 910 may enable the first component 902, thesecond component 904, and the locking ring 906 to be easily disassembledso that the second component 904 may be coupled to or used with anothertool.

The shaft 914 may provide an axial preload or tension in the connectionwith the second component 904. However, in other embodiments, the firstcomponent 902 may be coupled to the second component 904 by one or moredifferent features on the shaft 914 and/or the second component 904 toprevent relative rotation and provide a similar preload. For example,corresponding splines or a quick lock configuration may be used.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view in a circumferential or tangentialdirection of an illustrative interface between an embodiment of a secondcomponent 1004 and a locking ring 1006. The interface shows anengagement between an axial protrusion 1038 and a corresponding recess1074, according to at least one embodiment. The axial protrusions 1038on the second component 1004 each include opposing inner and outerradial protrusion surfaces 1076, 1078 and an outer axial protrusionsurface 1080. The axial recesses 1074 in the locking ring 1006 may bedefined by an outer radial recess surface 1082 and an inner axial recesssurface 1084.

The outer radial protrusion surface 1078 of the axial protrusion 1038may be configured to abut, mate with, or otherwise contact the outerradial recess surface 1082 defining the axial recess 1074. In anotherembodiment, a gap or clearance may exist between the outer radialprotrusion surface 1078 and the outer radial recess surface 1082. Theclearance may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, about 0.5 mm toabout 1 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm, about 2 mm to about 5 mm, about 5mm to about 10 mm, or more.

The outer radial protrusion surface 1078 of the axial protrusion 1038may be oriented at an angle α with respect to a plane 1086 that isperpendicular to a longitudinal axis or centerline (656 in FIG. 6)extending through the second component 1004 and/or the locking ring1006. As shown in FIG. 10, the angle α may be about 90°. The outerradial recess surface 1082 defining the axial recess 1074 may beoriented at an angle β with respect to the plane 1086. As shown in FIG.10, the angle β may also be about 90°.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in a circumferential or tangentialdirection of an illustrative engagement between an embodiment of anaxial protrusion 1138 and a corresponding axial recess 1174, accordingto one or more embodiments. An outer radial protrusion surface 1178 ofthe axial protrusion 1138 may be oriented at an angle α with respect toa plane 1186 that is not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis orcenterline (656 in FIG. 5) extending through the second component 1104and/or the locking ring 1106. As shown in FIG. 11, the angle α may bewithin a range having upper and lower values including any of 10°, 20°,30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, or any value therebetween. The angleα may be between 30° and 60°, between 40° and 70°, between 50° and 80°,between 60° and 90°, or between 30° and 85°. The outer radial recesssurface 1182 defining the axial recess 1174 may be oriented at an angleβ with respect to the plane 1186. The angle β may be within a rangehaving upper and lower values including any of 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°,60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, or any value therebetween. The angle β may bebetween 30° and 60°, between 40° and 70°, between 50° and 80°, between60° and 90°, or between 30° and 85°. Although the angles α and β areshown as being the same in FIGS. 10 and 11, it may be appreciated thatin other embodiments, the angles α and β may be different.

An outer radial protrusion surface 1178 may be a curved or otherwisenon-planar surface that includes at least a portion of the outer radialprotrusion surface 1178 oriented at an angle α with respect to a plane1186. For example, for an outer radial protrusion surface 1178 that iscompletely curved, a tangent line (not shown) through the outer radialprotrusion surface 1178 may be oriented at an angle α. In someembodiments, the outer radial protrusion surface 1178 may be a curvedsurface that includes a portion having a tangent line (not shown)through the outer radial protrusion surface 1178 at an angle α with theplane 1186.

In other embodiments, the outer radial protrusion surface 1178 mayinclude a portion of the outer radial protrusion surface 1178, whetherplanar or curved, that is oriented at an angle α and another portion,whether planar or curved, that is angled at a second angle that may begreater than or less than the angle α. For example, a first portion ofthe outer radial protrusion surface 1178 may be planar and have an angleα or may be curved such that a tangent line (not shown) through theouter radial protrusion surface 1178 is angled at an angle α and asecond portion of the outer radial protrusion surface 1178 may be planarand have a second angle or may be curved such that a tangent line (notshown) through the outer radial protrusion surface 1178 is angled at asecond angle. Furthermore, the outer radial protrusion surface 1178 mayinclude more or fewer portions that are oriented at varying anglesand/or the same angles (whether all portions include planar surfacesand/or or a tangent lines of curved surfaces) with respect to eachother.

The outer radial recess surface 1182 may be configured to matecomplimentarily with substantially all of the outer radial protrusionsurface 1178. The outer radial recess surface 1182 may be configuredsuch that a portion of the outer radial recess surface 1182 matescomplimentarily with the outer radial protrusion surface 1178. Forexample, the outer radial protrusion surface 1178 depicted in FIG. 11includes a portion at an angle α that mates complimentarily with theouter radial recess surface 1182. Other portions of the outer radialprotrusion surface 1178 may not complimentarily mate with the outerradial recess surface 1182.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in a circumferential or tangentialdirection of another illustrative engagement between an embodiment of anaxial protrusion 1238 from a second component 1204 and a correspondingaxial recess 1274 of a locking ring 1206. In at least one embodiment,the axial recess 1274 may be at least partially defined by an innerradial recess surface 1288 of the locking ring 1206. The inner radialrecess surface 1288 at least partially defining each axial recess 1274may be configured to abut, mate with, or otherwise contact the innerradial protrusion surface 1276 of the corresponding axial protrusion1238. In another embodiment, a gap or clearance may exist between theinner radial recess surface 1288 and the inner radial protrusion surface1276. The clearance may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm, about 0.5mm to about 1 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm, about 2 mm to about 5 mm,about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or more.

As shown, the inner radial recess surface 1288 at least partiallydefining the axial recess 1274 may be generally normal to plane 1286through the second component 1204 and/or the locking ring 1206. Inanother embodiment, the inner radial recess surface 1288 at leastpartially defining the axial recess 1274 may be oriented at an angle(not shown) with respect to the plane 1286. The angle may be within arange having upper and lower values including any of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°,60°, 70°, 80°, 85°, 90°, or any value therebetween.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view looking radially-inward of anillustrative engagement between an embodiment of an axial protrusion1338 and a corresponding axial recess 1374, according to one or moreembodiments. The axial protrusion 1338 may include opposingcircumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1392, 1394. The axialrecess 1374 in may be defined by opposing circumferentially offsetrecess surfaces 1396, 1398.

Although embodiments of axial protrusions are shown as including radialprotrusion surfaces 1076, 1078 (see FIG. 10) and circumferentiallyoffset protrusion surfaces 1392, 1394 that are substantially planar, itmay be appreciated that an axial protrusion may include curved surfaces.An axial protrusion according to the present disclosure may have across-sectional shape that is substantially a circle, oval, or ellipse;as well as a square, rectangle, triangle, other regular polygon; anirregular polygon; or a combination thereof. Similarly, embodiments ofaxial recesses are shown as being defined by radial recess surfaces1182, 1288 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) and circumferentially offset recesssurfaces 1396, 1398 that are substantially planar. However, it may beappreciated that an axial recess according to the present disclosure maybe defined by one or more surfaces that are curved. An axial recess maybe defined by one or more surfaces that form a cross-sectional shapethat is a circle, oval, or ellipse; as well as a square, rectangle,triangle, other regular polygon; an irregular polygon; or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, an axial protrusion and correspondingaxial recess may have a substantially similar cross-sectional shape. Inother embodiments, an axial protrusion and corresponding axial recesssubstantially sharing a cross-sectional shape may promote a particularalignment of a locking ring and a second component. In yet otherembodiments, at least one pair of axial protrusion and correspondingaxial recess among a plurality of pairs of axial protrusions andcorresponding axial recesses may have a substantially differentcross-sectional shape than the remainder of the plurality to promote aparticular alignment of a locking ring and a second component.

The circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1392, 1394 of the axialprotrusion 1338 may be arranged and designed to abut, mate with, orotherwise contact the circumferentially offset recess surfaces 1396,1398 defining the recess 1374. In another embodiment, a gap or clearancemay exist between the circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1392,1394 and the corresponding circumferentially offset recess surfaces1396, 1398. The clearance may be from about 0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm,about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm, about 1 mm to about 2 mm, about 2 mm toabout 5 mm, about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or more.

The circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1392, 1394 of eachaxial protrusion 1338 may be oriented at angles Γ, Δ, respectively, withrespect to the plane 1386. As shown in FIG. 13, the angles Γ, Δ may eachbe 90°. The opposing circumferentially offset recess surfaces 1396, 1398defining the recess 1374 may be oriented at angles E, Z, respectively,with respect to the plane 1386. As shown in FIG. 13, the angles E, Z mayeach be 90°.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view radially-inward of an engagementbetween an embodiment of an axial protrusion 1438 and a correspondingaxial recess 1474. As shown in FIG. 14, the angles Γ and/or Δ may besimilar to those described in relation to FIG. 13. The angles Γ and/or Δmay describe angles between circumferentially offset recess surfaces1496, 1498 and a plane 1486. The angles Γ and/or Δ may be within a rangehaving upper and lower values including any of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°,70°, 80°, 90°, or any value therebetween. The angles Γ and/or Δ may bebetween 30° and 60°, between 40° and 70°, between 50° and 80°, between60° and 90°, or between 30° and 85°. Although the angles Γ and Δ areshown as being the same in FIGS. 13 through 15, it may be appreciatedthat in other embodiments, the angles Γ and Δ may be different.

As shown in FIG. 14, the angles E and/or Z may be similar to thosedescribed in relation to FIG. 13. The angles E and/or Z may describeangles between circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1492, 1494and a plane 1486. The angles E and/or Z may be within a range havingupper and lower values including any of 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°,80°, 90°, or any value therebetween. The angles E and/or Z may bebetween 30° and 60°, between 40° and 70°, between 50° and 80°, between60° and 90°, or between 30° and 85°. Although the angles E and Z areshown as being the same in FIGS. 13 through 15, it may be appreciatedthat in other embodiments, the angles E and Z may be different. Theangles F and E may be the same, and the angles Δ and Z may be the same.

The opposing circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1492, 1494 maybe planar surfaces oriented at the angles Γ and Δ with respect to theplane 1486, such as the circumferentially offset protrusion surface 1492depicted in FIG. 14. As depicted by the opposing circumferentiallyoffset protrusion surface 1492, one or more of the circumferentiallyoffset protrusion surfaces 1492, 1494 may be a curved or otherwisenon-planar surface that includes at least a portion of thecircumferentially offset protrusion surface 1492 oriented at an angle Γor Δ with respect to a plane 1486. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1492, 1494 may be acurved surface that includes a portion having an angle Δ with the plane1486. In other embodiments, one or more of the circumferentially offsetprotrusion surfaces 1492, 1494 may include a portion of the outer radialsurface that is oriented at an angle Δ and another portion that isangled at a second angle that may be greater than or less than the angleΔ. For example, for a circumferentially offset protrusion surface thatis completely curved, a tangent line (not shown) through thecircumferentially offset protrusion surface may be oriented at an angleα. In some embodiments, the circumferentially offset protrusion surfacemay be a curved surface that includes a portion having a tangent line(not shown) through the circumferentially offset protrusion surface atan angle Δ with the plane 1486. One or more of the circumferentiallyoffset recess surfaces 1496, 1498 may be configured to matecomplimentarily with substantially all of one or more of thecircumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1492, 1494. One or more ofthe circumferentially offset recess surfaces 1496, 1498 may beconfigured such that a portion of one or more of the circumferentiallyoffset recess surfaces 1496, 1498 may mate complimentarily with one ormore of the circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1492, 1494. Forexample, the circumferentially offset protrusion surface 1492 depictedin FIG. 14 includes a portion at an angle Δ that mates complimentarilywith a portion of the circumferentially offset recess surface 1496 at anangle Z. Other portions of one or more of the circumferentially offsetrecess surfaces 1496, 1498 may not complimentarily mate with one or moreof the circumferentially offset protrusion surfaces 1492, 1494.

The inner axial recess surface 1484 of each recess 1474 may besubstantially planar such that the inner axial recess surface 1484 issubstantially parallel to the plane 1486. In at least one embodiment,the inner axial recess surface 1484 may be non-planar, for example, theinner axial recess surface 1484 may include a tip recess 14100 that isadapted to receive a (conical or frustoconical) tip portion 14102 of acorresponding axial protrusion 1438. The tip recess 14100 may be largerthan the corresponding tip portion 14102. The tip recess 14100 mayextend inward from the inner axial recess surface 1484. The tip recess14100 may prevent the tip portion 14102 from contacting the locking ring1406. This may facilitate engagement of the other surfaces of the axialprotrusion 1438 and axial recess 1474. The tip portion 14102 may beremnants from the inlets in the casting process during manufacture ofthe second component 1404. In another embodiment, the tip recess 14100may be omitted, and the inner axial recess surface 1484 may besubstantially planar, as shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an interface between an axialprotrusion 1538 and an axial recess 1574 having tapered lateralsurfaces. In some embodiments, an inner axial recess surface 1584 maynot contact an outer axial protrusion surface 1580. In such embodiments,the tapered lateral surfaces (i.e., defined by angles Γ, E, Δ, and Z)may apply a force to one another during assembly of a downhole tool asdescribed herein. The force may compress material adjacent to theinterface between the axial protrusion 1538 and axial recess 1574. Thecompression of material adjacent to the interface between the axialprotrusion 1538 and axial recess 1574 may assist in compensating forvariations in surfaces during manufacturing and provide a tighterinterface.

Various elements have been described herein in relation to variousembodiments of first and second components and locking rings. Theelements described in connection with FIGS. 1-15 may be usedinterchangeably.

An embodiment of a method of assembly of a downhole tool according tothe present disclosure is depicted in FIG. 16. The method 1601 mayinclude inserting 1603 a shaft of a first component through a boreformed axially through a locking ring. The locking ring may include abody having first and second opposing axial surfaces. An axialprotrusion extending from a second component may be aligned 1605 in anaxial recess formed in the second axial surface of the locking ring. Atleast one blade and/or groove of the second component may be aligned1605 with at least one corresponding blade and/or groove of the lockingring. One or more engagement features formed on an outer surface of theshaft may be engaged 1607 with one or more engagement features formed onan inner surface of the second component. A force may be applied 1609 toa circumferentially offset surface of the axial recess to compress thecircumferentially offset surface. The method 1601 may also includewelding 1611 the locking ring to the first component.

As used herein, the terms “inner” and “outer”; “up” and “down”; “upper”and “lower”; “upward” and “downward”; “above” and “below”; “inward” and“outward”; and other like terms as used herein refer to relativepositions to one another and are not intended to denote a particulardirection or spatial orientation. The terms “couple,” “coupled,”“connect,” “connection,” “connected,” “in connection with,” and“connecting” refer to “in direct connection with” or “in connection withvia another element or member.” The terms “hot” and “cold” refer torelative temperatures to one another.

Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detailabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the example embodiments without materiallydeparting from “Locking Ring with Stabilizing Blades Formed Thereon.”Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of this disclosure. In the claims, means-plus-function clausesare intended to cover the structures described herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents, but alsoequivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not bestructural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface tosecure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface,in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may beequivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant notto invoke 35 U.S.C. §120, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of theclaims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses thewords ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set ofvalues which may form an upper and/or lower limit of a range. Certainlower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claimsbelow. All numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated hereinare intended to include not only that value, but also other values thatare about or approximately the stated value, as would be appreciated byone of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of thepresent disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpretedbroadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to thestated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result.The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in asuitable manufacturing or production process, and may include valuesthat are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a statedvalue.

Various terms have been defined above. To the extent a term used in aclaim is not defined above, it should be given the broadest definitionpersons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in atleast one printed publication or issued patent. Furthermore, allpatents, test procedures, and other documents cited in this applicationare fully incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is notinconsistent with this application and for all jurisdictions in whichsuch incorporation is permitted.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodimentsare to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope ofthe disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims ratherthan by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaningand range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within theirscope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A locking ring adapted to be positioned betweenfirst and second components, comprising: a body having a bore formedaxially therethrough; a blade disposed on an outer radial surface of thebody, wherein at least a portion of a centerline through the blade isoriented at an angle from 1° to 60° with respect to a longitudinalcenterline through the body; and at least one locking feature includinga recess, a protrusion, or both formed on an outer axial surface of thebody.
 2. The locking ring of claim 1, wherein the body includes at leasttwo blades that are circumferentially spaced apart from one another. 3.The locking ring of claim 2, wherein a groove is formed between eachadjacent pair of blades, and wherein at least a portion of a centerlinethrough the groove is oriented at an angle from 1° to 60° with respectto the centerline through the body.
 4. The locking ring of claim 1,wherein the blade includes an insert on an outer surface thereof thatcomprises tungsten carbide, thermally stable polycrystalline diamond, orcombinations thereof.
 5. The locking ring of claim 1, wherein the atleast one locking feature includes at least two recesses are formed inthe outer axial surface of the body, and wherein the at least tworecesses are circumferentially spaced apart from one another.
 6. Thelocking ring of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking featureincludes at least two protrusions are formed in the outer axial surfaceof the body, and wherein the at least two protrusions arecircumferentially spaced apart from one another.
 7. The locking ring ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one locking feature includes a recess, therecess being defined by: an outer radial surface; first and secondopposing circumferentially offset surfaces, wherein at least a portionof the first circumferentially offset surface is oriented at an anglebetween from 85° to 90° with respect to a plane that is perpendicular tothe longitudinal centerline through the body; and an inner axialsurface.
 8. The locking ring of claim 1, wherein the at least onelocking feature includes a recess, the recess being defined by: an outerradial surface; first and second opposing circumferentially offsetsurfaces, wherein at least a portion of the first circumferentiallyoffset surface is oriented at an angle between 30° and 85° with respectto a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline throughthe body; and an inner axial surface.
 9. The locking ring of claim 1,wherein the body comprises a steel.
 10. The locking ring of claim 1,wherein the body comprises a nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy steel. 11.A downhole tool, comprising: a first component; a second componenthaving a first plurality of locking features formed on an axial surfacethereof, the locking features being circumferentially spaced apart fromone another; and a locking ring positioned at least partially betweenthe first and second components, the locking ring including: a bodyhaving a bore formed axially therethrough, wherein the first componentextends at least partially through the bore; a plurality of bladesdisposed on an outer radial surface of the body, the blades beingcircumferentially spaced apart from one another; and a second pluralityof locking features formed on an outer axial surface of the body, thelocking features being circumferentially spaced apart from one another,wherein the second plurality of locking features are configured toengage the first plurality of locking features to limit relativemovement therebetween.
 12. The downhole tool of claim 11, wherein thefirst plurality of locking features include axial protrusions, and thesecond plurality of locking features include corresponding recesses. 13.The downhole tool of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of lockingfeatures include recesses, and the second plurality of locking featuresinclude corresponding axial protrusions.
 14. The downhole tool of claim11, wherein the first component comprises a steel, the second componentcomprises tungsten carbide, and the locking ring comprises a steel. 15.The downhole tool of claim 11, wherein the first component is aconnection pin, and the second component is a drill bit.
 16. Thedownhole tool of claim 11, wherein a ratio of an axial length of thelocking ring to an outer diameter of the locking ring at a widest pointis from 0.5:1 to 3:1.
 17. The downhole tool of claim 11, wherein thesecond component includes a plurality of blades disposed on an outersurface thereof, the blades being circumferentially spaced apart fromone another and wherein the blades on the second component are alignedwith the blades on the locking ring.
 18. A downhole tool, comprising: anon-weldable component having an axial protrusion extending therefromand a first blade located adjacent an outer surface of the non-weldablecomponent, the first blade having a first centerline, at least a portionof the first centerline forming a first angle relative to a longitudinalcenterline of the downhole tool; and a locking ring positioned adjacentto and abutting the non-weldable component, the locking ring includingan annular body having first and second opposing axial surfaces and anaxial bore formed therethrough, wherein an axial recess is formed intothe second axial surface, and the axial recess is configured to receivethe axial protrusion, wherein the locking ring includes a second bladehaving a second centerline, at least a portion of the second centerlineforming an second angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of thedownhole tool, the second centerline.
 19. The downhole tool of claim 18,further comprising a weldable component positioned adjacent the lockingring and opposite the non-weldable component.
 20. The downhole tool ofclaim 19, wherein the locking ring is welded or brazed to the weldablecomponent.